What are some of the best ways to know what your classic car needs this holiday?
Disclaimer: Before getting started, we do recommend that referring to a trained eye is always the best way to learn about your vehicle and the work it might need.
Keep your eyes peeled
This may seem obvious, but it's always best to do a visual assessment of your vehicle, to see where the problem areas are. If you've just found an older car and want to restore it, there are a couple of key areas to check, to get an idea of what you might need and how much you might need to spend.
Get a good look at the exterior of the vehicle, body panels, windows, and the like, to see if you need new exterior parts or just a paint job. When inspecting the interior, try to assess if certain upholstery can be ironed out or refurbished, and check to see of all of the electrical components work.
For newer models, the biggest visual indicator you can depend on for issues is your dashboard and display. New vehicles like Corvettes and Camaros are equipped with powerful software and intuitive interfaces to help you know of any issues far before they become repair-worthy.
The nitty-gritty
From this point on, try and get a gauge for which parts might be the most expensive and crucial to replace. For example, your car's transmission will probably be one of the most expensive parts to be replaced on its own, so that's always a good starting point for tallying up cost. For old garage finds, this might be the first place you'll want to look after the exterior.
Going forward, a good price-ladder to follow down would be the catalytic converter, then the camshaft, fuel pump, engine alternator, engine block air flow sensor, and brake line. Factoring these items in should take most of the guess work out of your final budget.
When in doubt, drive it out!
If you live in a part of the country not yet blanketed in snow, now's your chance to take your ride for a drive. Too often are classic cars left in the garage for years, unbeknownst to any kind of issues, only to be found at the moment you want to take 'er for a spin. Not only is this an excuse to enjoy your vehicle a little more, this can help you make calls early on things that can be fixed easily, instead of leaving them to fester into larger issues.
For older cars that might not be able to get out on the road just yet, you're going to at least want to move it to where you're going to be working on it. That trek, whether it requires some towing or even some pushing, is sure to make clear of any issues with the wheels, suspension, and so many other things.
Case and point, get your classic car moving!
Do you know your classic like the back of your hand? Let us know all about your classic car in an email to social@musclecarsandclassics.ca! Feel free to send us pictures, videos, and and a TON of writing! Your classic might be shared in a future newsletter, so make sure you're subscribed to learn more.
Posted by
Cameron Chappus